Become our next
Homestay Family

Our homestay program has been running for more than 30 years! Each year a delegation of students, teachers and chaperones visits the City of Wetaskiwin from our twin city of Ashoro Japan. For a few short days each fall, families just like yours opens their homes and lives to our Japanese friends so they can experience Canadian culture first hand.

About the 2024 Delegation

Expected Arrival

• • 5:00 PM on Friday, September 13, 2024

  • Wetaskiwin Composite High School 

Expected Departure

• • 6:30 AM on Tuesday, September 17, 2024

  • Manluk Regional Aquatics and Fitness Centre 

Expected Delegation

• • 53 students (age 15-16)

  • 9 adult chaperones

Homestay Family Requirements and Expectations

Clear Vulnerable Sector Check

• Prior to being selected as a homestay family, every adult in the homestay family’s household must receive a clear Vulnerable Sector Check.

  • You will be required to consent to the release of the results of a Vulnerable Sector Check to the Wetaskiwin Ashoro Friendship Society from the local police detachment.

  • There is no fee to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check.

  • Even if you have recently completed a Vulnerable Sector Check for another position, you must complete a new one.

Accommodation

• • The delegation typically stays with us for four nights.

    • Usually centered around a weekend.

  • You must have enough room for at least two students or an adult.

    • Double bed or two single beds

    • Spare bedroom or rec room with an air mattress

Meals

• • Provide food and drink for your guests throughout their stay

    • The students are expecting to experience our culture, so whatever you would normally provide for your family is more than acceptable.

    • Typically this means:

      • Four breakfasts with your family

      • Three lunches:

        • Two with your family

        • A packed lunch on one day

      • Three evening meals:

        • Two with your family

        • One farewell banquet for the delegation and all homestay families provided by the Town of Ashoro

Transportation

• • Pick up students from the arrival location.

  • Transport students to and from a designated location within Wetaskiwin for a chaperoned day of events with their classmates.

  • Accompany students to the farewell banquet.

  • Transport students to the departure location so they can catch the bus.

Attendance

• We recommend that you attend a Homestay Information Session prior to the arrival of the delegation.

  • See our calendar to find out when we will be holding our next Homestay Information Session.

• Attend the farewell banquet along with your new friends!

  • Typically this happens the evening before the day of departure.

Gifts

• Typically, upon arrival the students will provide you with a thank you gift.

• It is customary to also provide them with a small welcome gift for themselves or their family.

  • Canada, Alberta or Wetaskiwin souvenir are ideal.

Ready to become a Homestay Family?
Have questions?

Reach out to homestay@ashorofriends.ca

Or, check our calendar and come join us for our next Homestay Information Session.